Jack and Ardith Weber have been married for 65 years. At ages 88 and 83, they are still working. For them, it is about money, purpose, and the need to stay engaged.
Jack spends a few hours each week at his county library in Kentucky. Ardith works as a senior medical patrol staff member and as an assistant for an anti-poverty program. Both jobs matter to them.
The couple admit that finances are part of the reason they cannot stop working. In 2017, they bought a home, and unexpected costs like replacing floors added to their expenses.
Ardith explained that without job training through the Senior Community Service Employment Program, known as SCSEP, she would not have been able to work. The program gave her computer and workplace skills.
“It has been such a blessing,” she said. “They treated us with respect and dignity. We learned new skills, and it gave us confidence.”
SCSEP is one of the only federally funded training programs for low-income adults over 55. More than $300 million in funding was paused in July, raising concerns for older workers.
A spokesperson from the Department of Labor said that national SCSEP grants are now “under review.” This has placed jobs and training opportunities for thousands of older Americans in question.
Jack and Ardith said they fear the cuts will leave many seniors with no way to find work. They believe programs like SCSEP are vital for dignity and survival in later years.
Jack began working through SCSEP decades ago when he was in his 60s. He recalled having no computer skills, but the program helped him build confidence while giving him steady part-time work.
“I first worked with the Forest Service,” he said. “I cleaned vehicles in a garage. Later, I became a dispatcher and even drove a school bus for over eight years.”
Ardith also joined SCSEP around the same time. She worked at the Forest Service, then later in a hearing aid store. The training gave her the ability to adapt as jobs changed.
Through these roles, the couple learned to adjust. They also showed that older Americans can continue to work if given the tools and respect to contribute in meaningful ways.
Jack Weber contributes several hours a week at the Logan County Public Library.
Jack later re-enrolled in SCSEP in 2019. This time, he joined through Goodwill in Kentucky. His first role was with a nonprofit handing out food for low-income families.
He soon found a position at the Logan County Public Library. “I sit with old books and make indexes,” he explained. “It may sound boring, but I love it.”
He described how families come searching for yearbooks or historical records. Watching them find photos of relatives gave him joy. “It makes me feel useful,” he said.
Ardith restarted SCSEP in 2020 after moving to Kentucky. She worried about isolation and poor mental health if she stayed home. She wanted purpose, and the program helped her find it.
She now works with the Kentucky Senior Medical Patrol. Her job involves giving talks about Medicare and fraud prevention, teaching seniors how to protect themselves from scams.
She also works as support staff for a program that helps low-income households pay utility bills. She files paperwork for families struggling with the rising costs of living.
“We see many young families coming in,” she said. “They cannot make ends meet. Prices are high, and their wages are too low. They need this help.”
Both Jack and Ardith said they do not want to stop working anytime soon. The jobs give them structure, purpose, and a sense of being part of the community.
Jack works two hours every other day at the library. He had to reduce hours after a heart issue, but quickly returned once cleared by his doctor.
He explained that staying home was unbearable. “I called the director and begged to come back,” he said. “Sitting at home drives me nuts.”
His director welcomed him back and even joked, “You’ll have to be 100 years old before you can retire.” Jack said he was grateful for the encouragement.
Ardith added that she feels the same way. Without her work, she would be at home watching television, which she finds dull and unhealthy for her mind.
She used to enjoy gardening, but health challenges made it difficult. Now her supervisors and colleagues give her encouragement, which she said keeps her positive and motivated.
Both said their jobs are about more than money. They see their roles as a way to give back, to stay connected, and to keep their minds sharp as they age.
Jack remembered some of his earliest jobs, from running a printing press to driving trucks in Seattle. He said those experiences taught him discipline and resilience.
Ardith recalled working in nursing homes and adult foster care. She later cooked in a college kitchen while Jack pursued a degree in counseling and theology.
Together, they worked in ministry and campgrounds, where Ardith managed phones, taught classes, and handled cleaning. They said those years shaped their sense of community service.
Today, they see a new generation struggling with financial hardship. Ardith said the families she serves remind her of the importance of programs like energy assistance grants.
Jack finds joy in helping preserve history at the library. He likes knowing that his work may help families learn about their relatives and keep memories alive.
Both admit that memory is harder with age, and communication can be difficult. They credit SCSEP training for helping them adapt and remain patient with themselves and others.
Ardith explained, “They taught us how to handle situations, even when we forgot words. It was practical and helpful.” She stressed the importance of respect toward older adults in work.
Ardith Weber remains active through her two part-time positions.
Jack added that while his tasks may not be exciting to others, he values every hour spent outside the home, being active, and serving others in some way.
The Webers highlight a broader national story. Half a million Americans over 80 are still working, many out of financial need. Some also seek social contact and mental health benefits.
Experts warn that without programs like SCSEP, older Americans may face higher risks of poverty and isolation. The program has been a lifeline for those struggling to find meaningful work.
For Jack and Ardith, the future is clear. They do not plan to retire. They will keep working as long as health allows, staying busy, useful, and connected to others.
“I could not ask for a better situation,” Ardith said. “I need to be around people. If I stop, my mental health will suffer. Work keeps me strong.”
Jack agreed. “I’ll keep at it until I cannot anymore,” he said. “Work gives me purpose, and I do not want to stop.”
Their story reflects both resilience and reality. Many seniors must work well into their 80s to survive. For some, like the Webers, work is also a gift that keeps them alive.
